ALMOST 48 years on from when they won the first of 10 consecutive Bendigo basketball titles, members of the talent-laden Bendigo Surfies' 1969 championship team have reunited.
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Seven of the team's eight players and coach Max Brisbane staged a get together in Bendigo last Thursday to reminisce about their unprecedented run of on-court success.
The only former player missing was Colin Burns, who is now based in Western Australia and could not attend.
The team's first A-grade grand final win came by eight-points over Saints.
"This title led to an almost complete domination of Bendigo basketball as the team compiled a record in the men's A-grade of 10 titles in 11 consecutive seasons, Brisbane said.
"In the following years almost all of the team represented Bendigo at state country level and three represented Victoria at national level.
"Half the team remained in Bendigo and continued their passionate involvement in the sport of basketball."
The Surfies team contained many recognisable faces, half who remained in Bendigo and continued their involvement in basketball.
They included Tony Southcombe, who coached junior Bendigo basketball teams, played 13 VFL games for Carlton and enjoyed a stellar local football career, as well as owning successful hotels in Bendigo.
Dave Campbell remained in Bendigo and coaches extensively at local and state level. His son Matthew played 17 seasons and captained NBL club Illawarra Hawks.
Gary Campbell coached local junior teams and junior Braves teams.
Mel Thomas remained in Bendigo and began a career in engineering.
Jeff Bennett moved in to a successful career in land surveying and now lives in San Remo, while Les Holt owns a crane business in Toowoomba.
Max Baker served in the Australian Army in Singapore and Malaysia before moving into the insurance industry. He now lives in Melbourne.
Coach Brisbane enjoyed a productive basketball administration career in Bendigo and became president of Basketball Victoria, secretary of the SEABL and general manager of the Bendigo Braves.
He helped create the Victorian Basketball Council and was awarded an OAM for his contribution to the sport.
Two others who played an incredible part in Surfies; success, according to Brisbane, were John Kaladis and Ron Best.
"John Kaladis was an exceptional player as a youngster and if he had the current advantages of the Australian Institute of Sport he would have become an Australian player," he said.
Best had an outstanding country football career before entering state politics.